71 dead in Philippines after weeks of flooding

By the CNN Wire Staff

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The monthlong rains have led to flooding and landslides
At least 23 people are missing, the nation's disaster agency says
More flooding is expected even though this is the dry season

(CNN) -- A month of sustained rains have now killed at least 71 people in the Philippines, disaster authorities said Tuesday.

Another 23 people are missing and 13 people have been injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. More flooding is expected in the days ahead.

The crisis began weeks ago, on December 29, when a monsoon over northern and central Luzon met a cold front in southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The result was severe flooding and landslides in 25 provinces.

The storms have affected nearly 1.6 million people from more than 300,000 families, according to the disaster agency. Damage to crops and infrastructure is estimated at $40 million.

December and January are traditionally part of the Philippines' dry season, with heavy rain more common in the islands from May to October, during the summer monsoon.